Texas § HS.168.007 - REQUIRED CARE OF STUDENTS WITH DIABETES

§ HS.168.007. REQUIRED CARE OF STUDENTS WITH DIABETES

REQUIRED CARE OF STUDENTS WITH DIABETES. (a) If a school nurse is assigned to a campus and the nurse is available, the nurse shall perform the tasks necessary to assist a student with diabetes in accordance with the student's individualized health plan. If a school nurse is not assigned to the campus or a school nurse is not available, an unlicensed diabetes care assistant shall perform the tasks necessary to assist the student with diabetes in accordance with the student's individualized health plan and in compliance with any guidelines provided during training under Section 168.005 . An unlicensed diabetes care assistant may perform the tasks provided by this subsection only if the parent or guardian of the student signs an agreement that: (1) authorizes an unlicensed diabetes care assistant to assist the student; and (2) states that the parent or guardian understands that an unlicensed diabetes care assistant is not liable for civil damages as provided by Section 168.009 . (b) If a school nurse is not assigned to a campus: (1) an unlicensed diabetes care assistant must have access to an individual with expertise in the care of persons with diabetes, such as a physician, a registered nurse, a certified diabetes educator, or a licensed dietitian; or (2) the principal must have access to the physician responsible for the student's diabetes treatment. (c) Each school shall adopt a procedure to ensure that a school nurse or at least one unlicensed diabetes care assistant is present and available to provide the required care to a student with diabetes during the regular school day. (d) A school district may not restrict the assignment of a student with diabetes to a particular campus on the basis that the campus does not have the required unlicensed diabetes care assistants. (e) An unlicensed diabetes care assistant who assists a student as provided by Subsection (a) in compliance with a student's individualized health plan: (1) is not considered to be engaging in the practice of professional or vocational nursing under Chapter 301 , Occupations Code, or other state law; and (2) is exempt from any applicable state law or rule that restricts the activities that may be performed by a person who is not a health care professional. (f) An unlicensed diabetes care assistant may exercise reasonable judgment in deciding whether to contact a health care provider in the event of a medical emergency involving a student with diabetes. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1022 (H.B. 984 ), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.